What are the power sockets and plugs used in Thailand and will there be enough voltage to charge gadgets? - these questions are asked by many travelers who are going to visit Thailand. In this article, you can find power sockets, plugs, adapters and the voltage used in Thailand and other related information.
Thailand Electrical Outlets
Today electronic devices have become a very important part of daily life. Anywhere we go, we need things such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, even cameras and more. Imagine if the phone battery or gadget equipment or other electronic equipment runs out, and you cannot update status or capture memorable moment, you might regret it for the rest of your life. If you decide to travel Thailand, you should ensure that you can use your personal electrical appliances completely and safely. Therefore, you should get familiar with the electricity in Thailand before your trip.
Thailand Voltage and Frequency
The electricity in Thailand has a mains voltage of 220 volts and the standard frequency is 50 hertz so you can use your electric appliances in Thailand if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa).
Consequently, if the voltage in your home country is between 110 and 127 volts, which is typical for South American countries, as well as the United States and Canada, a voltage converter or transformer will be required.
If the frequency of 50 HZ in Thailand differs from the one in your country, it is not advised to use your appliances.
Thailand Power Sockets
The most common Thailand power sockets are: with two holes and with three holes. Fortunately, sockets are generally made "multi-format" and several types of plugs are suitable for them. They can fit the common round pin electrical pins that are used in Europe. Therefore, a separate travel adapter is rarely needed in Thailand, if you are coming from Europe.
Thailand does not use sockets with on-off buttons. Instead, you just plug in and there is power.
Thailand sockets from earlier times corresponded to the American standards Type-A and Type-B.
Today's Thailand electrical outlets are also suitable for use with Type-A, Type-B, Type-C, and Type-F power plugs.
Thailand Plug Type
In Thailand, it is possible to find different plug types as types A, B and C can be usually used in houses, hotels and other buildings.
- Type A consists of two flat parallel pins. The plug-type A is especially used for smaller devices.
- Type B consists of two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin (3 pins).
- Type C consists of two round pins.
It should be noted that the most common plugs in Thailand are type B and C. These types of plugs are universal, modern and also common in other countries. It is ideal to compare them with those used in your home country before setting out on your journey.
You will not find direct inputs for USB, except in luxury hotels, and even then it is unlikely.
In some cases, it may happen that some old houses will not have a universal socket but these are really rare cases. However, if you are planning vacation in Thailand, we would recommend bringing at least one universal adapter with you to avoid any surprises.
Adapters recommended in Thailand
If you want to be sure that everything fits in Thailand power sockets or your electrical appliances do not match the connectors in your accommodation, you can buy an adapter.
Be noted that adapter plugs DO NOT convert voltage and only change the configuration of the pins. If you want to change the voltage input into your appliance, the voltage conversion is needed.
Adapters can be purchased in many places in Thailand, especially in local convenience stores and supermarkets or the shops selling electrical products, components and accessories for relatively little money. Otherwise, you can buy it online. If you are planning to buy one at home, you should buy the same type that works in the USA.
Above you can see a couple of adapter examples that can be purchased in Thailand. These adapters are available in larger stores and supermarkets in Thailand, such as Big C or Lotus’s. They should normally cost no more than 50-100 THB.
It is recommended to purchase a multi-function conversion adapter, which contains a variety of pin types such as American standard, Australian standard, European standard, and British standard, as it can be used in any country in the future.
Extension Cords & Surge Protectors
There are often very few sockets in the hotel room and if there are many electronic devices that need to be charged at the same time or you come to Thailand with a group of friends, it may be a good idea to get an extension cord with several outlets on it. This thing will make your life much easier.
Extension cords will typically look like the one below and they are compatible with all Thailand power plugs. You should choose the plug of the extension cord depending on the power socket in your room as not all of them have 3 holes. Make sure you buy one with on / off switch and an extra couple of meters of wire will come in handy.
There is no need to take an extension cord with you from home as everything can be bought on the spot. Extension cords can be purchased at all major supermarkets and small local shops. Even 7-Eleven and Family Mart stores in some places might have them available. These do not weigh much and cost about 100-200 THB.
Batteries in Thailand
Thailand has many types of batteries available. Both traditional batteries, the small ones and more special ones for cameras, telephones, etc. Internationally known brands are sold, as well as more locally known ones.
Batteries for mobile phones and cameras are available as both original and cheap imitations. The cheap ones are sold in supermarkets and cost 10 - 20% of the originals.
Thailand Power Cables
In Europe, the electricity supply for houses is largely underground. In Thailand, the electrical cables are laid above ground on masts. It seems that every house has its own cable hanging from the mast. If you walk down the streets in Thailand, you will immediately notice power cables. Security is neglected here. In recent years, in the capital, Bangkok, the power lines are gradually being laid underground.
Thailand Electricity Bill
An electricity bill in Thailand consists of the following components:
Basic charge: approx. 40 THB + 7% tax
Kilowatt price: 3.5 THB + 7% tax
FT surcharge: - 0.05 Satang / KW + 7% tax
(FT = fuel adjustment tariff. Depending on the world market price for fuel there is a surcharge or a discount.)
There are no costs for the electricity meter. Neither rental costs nor acquisition costs.
If you don't use electricity, you only pay the basic fee plus 7% tax.
Power Outages in Thailand
In rural Thailand, the problem of power outages is very common. This is not surprising with the existing cabling. Depending on the duration of the power outages, considerable economic damage can occur every time.
Staying Connected in Thailand
When travelling to Thailand, you will want to take an international or unlocked cell phone with a prepaid Thailand SIM card. SIM cards can be bought very cheaply in Thailand. All SIM cards, including prepaid cards, must be registered with a passport. We recommend to get SIM card at the airport in Thailand, they will set up an international calling and internet plan for you. To save money, pre-book Thai SIM card online.
Thailand's Internet is also very well developed and the connections are mostly fast and stable. Most hotels have WIFI and, surprisingly, often free of charge and at a very good speed.
